Melbourne Victory: Terry Antonis

Keisuke Honda could comfortably claim this billing, but we have Antonis a nose ahead at this stage.

The decision owes solely to the importance of Antonis' laser-like left-footed winner away to Newcastle Jets, which steadied the Champions after back-to-back losses.

Honourable mentions: Thomas Deng, Honda, James Troisi.

What the Opta stats say: Honda ranks number one by the Opta data. The Japanese playmaker has created 17 scoring chances thus far in 2018/19, three more than any other player in the competition, while no player has made more assists, with three.

Newcastle Jets: Ronny Vargas

It is an absolute treat to have Vargas fit and firing again.

The glimpses of potential we saw before last season's cruel ankle injury have become concrete evidence of extreme talent.

The attacking midfielder has at times created chances for fun in the first four rounds and in tandem with Dimitri Petratos, he will doubtless remain a major creative outlet.

Honourable mentions: Petratos, Ben Kantarovski

What the Opta stats say: Lachlan Jackson tops the Opta stats. Melbourne City's Scott Jamieson (7) is the only defender to have created more scoring chances this season than Jackson (5).

Perth Glory: Shane Lowry

If Andy Keogh is doing the business attack it is because Lowry is providing the platform at the other end.

Among a host of high-scoring individuals, ex-Millwall defender Lowry looks to be benefitting the most from Tony Popovic's arrival.

The left-footed centre-back is flourishing as the leader of a trio of stoppers, putting his body on the line and stepping up as an organiser.

Honourable mentions: Jason Davidson, Chris Ikonomidis, Keogh.

What the Opta stats say: Keogh is Glory's highest ranked player by Opta. Keogh has hit nine shots on target this season, the most of any player in the competition and he is currently the joint-leading goal scorer alongside Adam Le Fondre with four goals.

Sydney FC: Adam Le Fondre

Le Fondre has hurdled comfortably over the high bar set for former Premier League players.

His four goals have fired Sydney FC to an unbeaten start that has helped to answer questions posed in the wake of Graham Arnold's departure.

Hyundai A-League defences are now aware they cannot afford the pint-sized poacher a sniff.

Honourable mentions: Rhyan Grant, Brandon O'Neill, Alex Brosque

What the Opta stats say: Le Fondre has a shot conversion rate (including blocks) of 36 per cent this season, the highest of any player to have attempted more than five shots.

Wellington Phoenix: Steven Taylor

The 32-year-old centre-back had added much-needed steel to Phoenix’s back half, showing why he made nearly 200 English Premier League appearances for Newcastle United.

Taylor was particularly impressive in Wellington’s first two matches, involved in a goal in a Round 1 success against last season’s Grand Finalists, Newcastle Jets, before producing a man-of-the-match performance as the Phoenix kept a clean sheet in Brisbane against the Roar - even if he did miss a sitter.

And although Wellington have suffered defeats in their past two matches, they do look more solid at the back with Taylor on board.

Honourable mentions: Filip Kurto, Alex Rufer

What the Opta stats say: Taylor has made a joint team-high 16 clearances this campaign, as well as creating two scoring chances and landing two shots on target.

Western Sydney Wanderers: Alexander Baumjohann

He will regret giving away the penalty which enabled Brisbane to complete their comeback last weekend, but Baumjohann can still be content with his efforts thus far.

The playmaker is a vitally important part of Markus Babbel's structure, with his class on the ball already obvious.

Honourable mentions: Jordan O'Doherty, Bruce Kamau

What the Opta stats say: Brendan Hamill leads the Opta scores, the club captain making 30 clearances this season, more than any Wanderers teammate and the second most of any player overall (Mariner Anthony Golec has 33).